Planning Your Colorado Whitewater Rafting Vacation: Five Pro Tips
It’s never too early to start planning your Colorado whitewater rafting adventure. Lodging and camping are booked out early, and you get the best deals on activities when you plan ahead. To make sure you’re ready for the ride of a lifetime, here are five pro tips to help you have an unforgettable experience. Have more questions? Give us a call at 800-723-8987.
Winter Sale – 25% OFF
Save 25% if you book by Monday, February 10. Raft Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
1. Pick the Best Place and Time for Your Colorado Rafting Adventure
When most people think of whitewater rafting in Colorado, they think of the Colorado River. But the Arkansas River is the most popular spot in the state for rafting. You’ll find three charming towns along the Arkansas River where you can set up your base camp: Buena Vista, Salida, and Cañon City. Each town offers a unique slice of Colorado’s authentic charm.
When it comes to timing, most rafting companies operate from May through Labor Day. June has the highest water levels, which makes for more intense rapids, while July tends to offer more family-friendly conditions. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider the shoulder seasons when you’ll find rivers to be less busy.
Choose from two River Runners locations:
River Runners Royal Gorge – just one-hour southwest of Colorado Springs
River Runners Browns Canyon – near Buena Vista
2. Choose the Best Rafting Tour for Your Group
River Runners offers a variety of rafting options, including half-day, full-day, and overnight adventures. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced rafter, there’s a tour for you.
If you want to see the most popular spot in Colorado, the Browns Canyon National Monument rafting tour is a favorite. But if you’re looking for more thrilling rapids, the Numbers or Royal Gorge rafting tours might be more up your alley. For families or groups with younger kids, the Family Float is a great, laid-back option.
3. Book Early for the Best Deal
If you want to score the best deal on your Colorado rafting adventure, booking early is the way to go! Save 25% with our Winter Rafting Sale when you book by February 10. Rafting trips are available from May through Labor Day, so plan and lock in your spot early for some serious savings.
Use promo code: WINTER when you book online for a 25% discount!
4. Book Lodging or Camping Early (Seriously!)
The Arkansas River Valley offers lots of lodging and camping options, but during the busy summer months (June through August), they fill up quickly! To avoid the stress of finding a last-minute place to stay, it’s best to book your lodging or camping early. Salida is a good base camp for the Browns Canyon or Royal Gorge area. Canon City is just eight miles from River Runners Royal Gorge, and Buena Vista is six miles north of River Runners Browns Canyon. Some of our favorite places to stay include the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista, Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, and the Hotel St. Cloud in Cañon City.
Whether you prefer a cozy cabin or a riverside campsite, be sure to secure your accommodations ahead of time—especially if you’re visiting during the peak season.
5. Plan Other Activities to Round Out Your Colorado Adventure
While whitewater rafting will likely be the highlight of your vacation, there’s so much more to do in Colorado’s Arkansas River Valley. The valley is home to the highest concentration of fourteeners (mountains over 14,000 feet) in the lower 48 states, making it a haven for hikers and mountaineers. After your rafting trip, consider relaxing in the area’s natural hot springs, or exploring the region’s world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and off-roading opportunities.
Find Your Adventure
Get Ready for the Ultimate Colorado Adventure! By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable rafting vacation in Colorado. From selecting the right location to planning extra activities, you’ll ensure that your trip is packed with excitement from start to finish.
Call us at 800-723-8987 for any questions or help booking your trip. We can’t wait to see you on the water!